Terminology

Industry Terminology

A method of transmitting data serially where a change in value marks the start of the first data bit, and subsequent bits are presumed to have a specific duration in time. For successful transfers, the receiver must know in advance how long each bit lasts.

Abbreviation for Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor. It refers both to a method of implementing hardware at the “circuitry-inside-a-chip” level, and also to the voltage levels considered to be “on” and “off” (or “true” and “false”) for digital circuitry built using that technology.

Used in two ways – with respect to hardware, it refers to a chip that “drives” a signal. A chip that converts signals from TTL levels to RS232 levels would be one such. In software, it refers to a piece of code that provides an interface between hardware functionality and other code.

Abbreviation for Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory. Usually a low-capacity device, often used for storing values that seldom change, but are specific to a particular board. Individual locations in this type of memory can be read, erased, and written by the system, but it is often a time-consuming operation, and locations within the device can wear out if erased too often.

A computer that is intended to perform a limited number of dedicated functions, often with real-time processing constraints. Countertop microwave ovens and programmable thermostats are examples of devices that contain small embedded computers.

Abbreviation for Erasable, Programmable Read-Only Memory. This is a particular type of ROM (the other, Mask-Programmed ROM, is probably no longer in use). By definition, a system cannot modify this memory.

A type of memory that is meant to be read many more times than it can be written or erased. Normally, individual locations may be programmed, but erasing will only work on a large section of memory. This type of memory is replacing ROM and EPROM on many systems.

Refers to a specification that describes how something is to operate. Alternatively, it refers to a system (such as an SBC) that complies with such a standard or is one that a company normally produces and keeps available in inventory. Synonym for OTS or Stock.

Abbreviation for Transistor-Transistor Logic. It refers both to a method of implementing hardware at the “circuitry-inside-a-chip” level, and also to the voltage levels considered to be “on” and “off” (or “true” and “false”) for digital circuitry built using that technology.